Veteran marketing exec Cheryl Boone Isaacs became the first African American president of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Often criticized for its lack of diversity in handing out Oscars and known for being predominantly white, male and older, the Academy moved to elect Boone Isaacs on Tuesday at its board meeting of governors.
Her historic rise also makes her the first woman to preside over the 86-year old organization. She will serve a one-year term with eligibility to stay in the role for three additional years.
Prior to the new appoinment, Boone Isaacs held several top positions at the Academy, most recently, first vice president. Before that, she was a marketing and publicity consultant at New Line Cinema and Paramount Pictures.
According to information released this morning by the NAACP, in July of this year, the Academy sought to expand racial and ethnic diversity among its voting members by inviting 276 new members from various backgrounds. The Academy also hired former NAACP Hollywood Bureau Executive Director Vicangelo Bulluck as Managing Director of Outreach and Strategic Initiatives, to help foster inclusion and diversity.
Read more at The Hollywood Reporter.
